Herdsmen attacks: Benue gov reads riot act, says state anti-open grazing law still exists

From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi

Contrary to widespread speculations that he would quash the open grazing prohibition law, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has warned troublemakers to keep off Benue land. He said the anti-open grazing law in existence in the state must be respected by all. This was part of resolutions at the end of the security council meeting held in Government House, Makurdi on 22nd June, 2023.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Thursday evening, Governor Alia said after painstaking deliberations, the state has decided that it would not condone open grazing in the state and warned everyone to obey the law.

Alia, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo in company of some security personnel, said: “A Sub-Committee of the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Services, the Traditional Rulers, NAPTITP, Immigration, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, (BLGCA) and Office of the Security Adviser to head the team, was set up to identify the heads of the Fulani herders and report back to the Security Council in three weeks.

The meeting also resolved that “all stakeholders should note that the anti-open grazing law is still in existence in Benue State and all must respect this fact and abide by the law.

While stating that no single approach should be adopted, the governor urged stakeholders in the various sectors to ensure enforcement of the anti open grazing l, which he said had come to stay. The meeting called on all stakeholders, including law enforcement agents, to show sincerity in the implementation and enforcement of the anti-open grazing law. It said emphasis should now be on prevention of attacks by the armed/criminal Herders rather than the reactionary approach.